About ABC Strath Haven

A Better Chance (ABC) Strath Haven is about education.  It is about a caring community that provides a home away from home for each student.  Most importantly, it is about giving highly motivated minority students a better chance in life.

For the past 30 years, ABC students have attended Strath Haven High School in Wallingford, Pa.   ABC Strath Haven students live in either the Boys' or Girls’ House located in the lovely tree-lined streets of Swarthmore and they take a school bus across Crum Creek to Strath Haven High School a few miles away. 

In 2002, Strath Haven was named a Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence, and proudly waves this banner on the school flagpole.  Philadelphia Magazine cited Strath Haven several times in the past few years for its high-quality academic offerings, outstanding test scores and remarkable level of participation in school activities.  Name any other school with a student body of  just 1300 that has a marching band and band front of 400 plus members!

Located 12 miles outside of Philadelphia, ABC Strath Haven is easily accessed by Amtrak trains, I-95 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  The Philadelphia International Airport is just a few minutes away.  After a short 20 minute train ride from Swarthmore or Wallingford to center city Philadelphia, students can be strolling down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway or checking out the “scene” on South Street.  Our proximity to Philadephia enabled students to recently attend a special exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and  they often participate in the lively cultural happenings in the city.

But you don’t have to go to Philly to enjoy cultural events.  The Hedgerow Theater and Wallingford Community Arts Center are both right in our own backyard in Wallingford, and Media’s vibrant shopping, restaurant and theater are also close by.  Swarthmore Borough may date back to the Victorian era, but the downtown is charmingly up-to-date.  Within walking distance of both the Boys’ and Girls’ houses, the village features many restaurant choices (including a popular pizza parlor) gift shops and a convenient public library open seven days a week. 

For peaceful communion with nature (and taking a break from hectic schedules), students can visit the center of the Swarthmore community, Swarthmore College, whose entire campus is a magnificent arboretum.  Stimulating special College lectures and art events are open to ABC students as is the fully-equipped gymnasium and fitness center.

A solid, nurturing home environment, first-rate academic and cultural offerings, friendship and mentoring --- these elements bring limitless opportunities to gifted young people.  ABC students emerge with the passion, vision and confidence they will need as creative leaders in a rapidly-changing world.

Strath Haven High School

Directions to Strath Haven High School